Cilantro Lime Quinoa

Cilantro Lime Quinoa is a refreshing and vibrant vegan dish that beautifully blends the zesty flavors of lime and fresh cilantro with protein-rich quinoa. This dish captures the essence of Lebanese cuisine while offering a seafood-inspired twist through its savory and aromatic ingredients.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 150 grams
• Water - 400 ml
• Fresh cilantro - 30 grams, chopped
• Lime juice - 30 ml (about 1 lime)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Sea salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams, halved
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Cucumber - 1 small, diced
• Avocado - 1 medium, diced
• Chickpeas - 120 grams, drained and rinsed

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural coating, which can be bitter.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
6. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, diced avocado, and chickpeas to the quinoa mixture. Gently fold until combined.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes for a refreshing salad.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber from quinoa and chickpeas, promoting satiety and digestive health.
• Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from fresh vegetables and herbs, supporting overall health and immunity.

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